The international break takes center stage. Now, FC Barcelona finds itself in a unique predicament with a dozen of its stars jetting off to represent their respective nations in a mix of friendlies and crucial Euro 2024 and World Cup 2026 qualifiers. This exodus leaves Xavi Hernández with a limited squad for the upcoming week, posing both challenges and opportunities for the Blaugrana.
A total of 12 Barcelona players will don their national colors during this international hiatus. Spain calls upon Balde, Gavi, and the young sensation Lamine Yamal. They will face Georgia (September 8th, 18:00 CET) and Cyprus (September 12th, 20:45 CET). Joao Cancelo and Joao Félix will represent Portuga. They will face Slovakia (September 8th, 20:45 CET) and Luxembourg (September 11th, 20:45 CET). Meanwhile, the German duo of Ter Stegen and Gündogan is set to play two friendlies. One vs Japan (September 9th, 20:45 CET), and the other vs France. The Tricolor called Koundé (September 12th, 20:45 CET), will first face Ireland (September 7th, 20:45 CET).
De Jong aims to translate his stellar Barcelona form into success for the Netherlands in Euro 2024 qualifiers. Their first match will be vs Greece (September 7th, 20:45 CET) and the other vs Ireland (September 10th, 20:45 CET). Poland, led by the prolific Lewandowski, will tackle the Faroe Islands (September 7th, 20:45 CET). Afterwards, they will face Albania (September 10th, 20:45 CET). Christensen will represent Denmark in battles against San Marino (September 7th, 20:45 CET) and Finland (September 10th, 20:45 CET). Raphinha, replacing the injured Vinicius, will join Brazil for World Cup 2026 qualifiers. They will face Bolivia (September 9th, 02:45 CET) and Peru (September 13th, 04:00 CET).
Xavi’s Challenge: Navigating with Limited Resources:
With this massive exodus of internationals, Xavi is left with a limited squad at Barcelona. His roster now primarily consists of Spanish players. That includes Iñaki Peña, Sergi Roberto, Iñigo Martínez, Marcos Alonso, Oriol Romeu, and Ferran Torres. Additionally, injured players Araujo and Pedri are on the sidelines, along with the young talent Fermín López. The upcoming match against Betis on September 16th looms large, and Xavi faces the daunting task of preparing his team with fewer resources and less time.
While the international break offers players the chance to represent their nations and gain valuable experience, it presents a challenge for club managers like Xavi. As Barcelona’s internationals disperse across the globe, the responsibility now falls on the remaining squad members to maintain fitness, focus, and teamwork. Xavi’s tactical acumen and ability to adapt will be put to the test in the coming days, as he works with the players at his disposal to ensure Barcelona’s continued success.
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